The Evolution and Future of Online Advertising: Balancing Innovation with Privacy
Online advertising has evolved significantly since its inception, beginning with the introduction of cookie technology in the 1990s, which allowed advertisers to track user behaviour and tailor ads accordingly. This led to the rapid growth of the internet advertising industry, despite challenges like the dot-com bust of the early 2000s. The recovery saw the rise of programmatic advertising, which automated ad placements and audience targeting, revolutionising how digital ads were bought and sold. However, concerns over privacy and data protection have prompted regulatory measures like the European GDPR, significantly impacting the industry. As technology advances, particularly with the rise of AI, online advertising is expected to become even more personalised and efficient, though the balance between user privacy and effective marketing remains a key challenge.
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